By Day

“I remember I was a senior in high school, it was the day after Christmas, the house was unusually quiet. The energy of the holidays seemed to evaporate into thin air. Sitting on that scratchy couch, I could see the dust particles floating up in the sunshine that was streaming through the window. I could hear the neighborhood kids out side in the cul-de-sac. Laughing and throwing snow balls. It sounded like the entire neighborhood came out to play. I wanted to be out there…really, I did. The truth was I felt like I had cement in my sneakers. I couldn’t move, I felt like my energy had evaporated just like Christmas and was continuing to drift away like the particles of dust in the rays of sunlight. There was a sense of impending doom and bleakness even though I had gotten everything I wanted for Christmas.

As I got older and had children of my own, the post-holiday blues got worse. “Why?” I kept asking myself. I have everything I want, everything I need and yet I feel unmotivated, and have difficulty concentrating. I decided it was time to seek the advice of a doctor. What could possibly be wrong with me? I’d tell myself it was the “post-holiday crash.” But it wasn’t. I discovered I was suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.).”

Many people have experienced Seasonal Affective Disorder, often calling it “winter blues” or “post-holiday crash.” According to Psychology Today, 10 million American suffer from this type of depression, and even more may experience mild symptoms. S.A.D. is a type of depression that begins around October and can last until spring. Symptoms range from feeling sad and hopeless to thoughts of suicide. Some people may experience hypersomnia (more tired than usual – increase need for sleep), low energy, weight gain (sweet or starchy cravings), irritability, social isolation, and emotional sensitivity.

As we move through the winter months, symptoms may become exaggerated or intensify, especially since the hoop-la of the holidays has passed. To learn more about Seasonal Affect Disorder and what you can do please join us on February 25th from 12:30- 2:30 for a presentation by our own Susan Macey.